Humanoid robots are seen as a solution to the drawbacks of simple automation, offering precise manipulation and adaptability to various environments. For instance, in heavy industry, these robots can weld according to customer specifications. This means that humanoids are not just for robotics experts but can be effectively used by skilled workers in industries like shipbuilding.
Michael Perry, head of commercial strategy at Persona AI, made these remarks during a keynote address titled 'Why Humanoids?' at the '2026 Humanoid Summit Seoul,' which opened on September 22 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Persona AI, based in Houston, Texas, develops robots for use in heavy industry.
The summit, running until September 23, gathers around 40 robotics and AI experts to discuss various topics related to physical AI, including commercialization, robotic intelligence, and applications in industrial settings. This is the first time the Humanoid Summit, which began in Silicon Valley in 2024, is being held in Korea.
Experts at the event suggested that humanoids could address the labor shortages faced by industries. Perry noted, 'We aim to tackle the workforce shortages expected in the next 5 to 10 years,' pointing out that industries like shipbuilding and steel are increasingly reliant on an aging workforce. He emphasized that humanoids could help solve this issue.
Demonstrations of humanoids were also conducted at the event. The South Korean physical AI company ROBOTIS, in partnership with NVIDIA, showcased its humanoid 'AI Sapiens.' The AI Sapiens was able to move around the stage and even dance, responding to specific commands given in text. This was made possible through NVIDIA's robotic AI platform.
Kim Byung-soo, CEO of ROBOTIS, stated, 'The key to success in physical AI ultimately lies in learning,' predicting that humanoids will evolve into platforms like smartphones, capable of running various applications with diverse functionalities. He added, 'By integrating our software with NVIDIA's AI-based platform, the speed of humanoid development has significantly increased.'
Outside the conference room, booths displayed components ranging from humanoids to robotic hands and actuators from multinational companies. Major participants included Qualcomm from the U.S., Renesas from Japan, Hutchinson from France, and STIQ from the U.K.
Notably, several Chinese companies attracted attention from attendees. Unitree, a leading robotics firm in China, showcased its humanoid 'G1,' demonstrating its capabilities in real-time. The G1 stands approximately 132 cm tall and weighs around 35 kg. Xiao Li Chen, head of Unitree for the Asia-Pacific region, stated, 'While focusing on humanoids, we also plan to invest more in quadrupedal robots and robotic arms,' adding, 'Currently, we can control the robot using only voice commands without pre-programming.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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